Because of my own experience with cystic acne I was always experimenting with various products to try out on my skin. Much of what I used not only didn’t help heal the acne but actually caused it to become worse. I now consider myself an expert on all of the mistakes I made in an effort to have clear, healthy skin. Listed below are some very basic tips that were really helpful to me.
Sleep seven to eight hours per night on a consistent basis. Not enough sleep can cause physical stress making it difficult to clear acne.
Wash clothes (especially pillow cases and towels) in detergents that are free from all perfumes and dyes and avoid fabric softeners, especially the sheets used in the dryer.
Avoid iodides in the diet such as salty snacks, fast food, processed foods, cheese, excessive dairy, iodized salt, soy sauce, MSG, seaweed, kelp, and vitamins containing iodine and kelp.
Do not use a rough washcloth, buffing pad or scrubs that contain ground nut shells. These can cause extra irritation and increase acne problems.
Ice breakouts twice a day for two to five minutes to reduce swelling and redness.
Minimize sun exposure and apply non-comedogenic (will not cause blocked pores) sun block often when in direct sunlight.
Keep up on your treatment plan. Skipping home treatment allows blackheads to form deep in the follicle causing new breakouts at a later date.
Drink at least eight glasses of water each and every day.
Whatever you do – don’t pick! Picking at your skin may cause scarring that will remain long after the acne is gone.
Reduce stress . . . do whatever it takes.
Any and all information contained on this website should not be considered as medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified dermatology professional.